Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has announced plans to install a traffic management system on the Transpennine route, creating what would be the UK’s first digitally controlled intercity rail corridor.
Network Rail is being given up to £5 million to look at the feasibility of implementing digital traffic management between Manchester and Leeds. The money will come out of a £450 million digital railway fund announced in the autumn.
Announcing the upgrade proposal, the Department for Transport (DfT) highlighted the use of in-cab signalling systems on the London Underground, Thameslink and the Elizabeth line. Although it promotes the benefits of in-cab signalling, the announcement only specifically references traffic management for the Transpennine route.
Chris Grayling said: “We are about to see a digital revolution in our railways, and we want the north to lead the way.
“New technology on the Manchester to York route will help us deliver a more reliable and safer railway, with more space for passengers.
“Travel will be transformed across the north as we invest £13bn to improve journeys, expand our motorways, scrap the outdated Pacer trains, and spend £55bn in HS2 to cut journey times between our great northern cities.”